A question about motherboards and compatability

[Trio]

I've heard that some RAM, cards, software, and add-ons aren't compatible with some motherboards. What makes this so? Is it the manufacturer, or the type of motherboard? I'm curious because I'm going to purchase one sometime soon, and I want it to be compatible with as much hardware/software as possible so I won't have to worry about having spent money on junk.

One mobo I found and seems pretty good is an AMD (AM2 and AM2+) ASUS M3A78-CM mini atx. I hear ASUS is pretty reliable, so I chose this one. The only thing that bothers me is it's a micro.

I'm not really interested in an extreme board, but I'm not looking for a budget board either. It's for a project, and although using a budget board would be cheaper, I'd like a good board for the end product.

QUESTION:

I've heard that some RAM, cards, software, and add-ons aren't compatible with some motherboards. What makes this so? Is it the manufacturer, or the type of motherboard? And, is there a difference (speed wise) between a Micro ATX and ordinary ATX?

 

[ZeroWing]

I've heard that some RAM, cards, software, and add-ons aren't compatible with some motherboards. What makes this so? Is it the manufacturer, or the type of motherboard? I'm curious because I'm going to purchase one sometime soon, and I want it to be compatible with as much hardware/software as possible so I won't have to worry about having spent money on junk.

One mobo I found and seems pretty good is an AMD (AM2 and AM2+) ASUS M3A78-CM mini atx. I hear ASUS is pretty reliable, so I chose this one. The only thing that bothers me is it's a micro.

I'm not really interested in an extreme board, but I'm not looking for a budget board either. It's for a project, and although using a budget board would be cheaper, I'd like a good board for the end product.

QUESTION:

I've heard that some RAM, cards, software, and add-ons aren't compatible with some motherboards. What makes this so? Is it the manufacturer, or the type of motherboard? And, is there a difference (speed wise) between a Micro ATX and ordinary ATX?

Every motherboard has a socket.Brands have nothing to do with a mobo except how well they are made. You need to match the sockets when you buy a CPU. RAM runs at certain speeds and timings and usually is able to run in any mobo since the BIOS automatically adjusts speed and such. Software should work with any mobo but there are exceptions sometimes. Graphics cards have to match the slots that are on a mobo. Before you buy a mobo you should check the specifications and make sure everything matches. BTW, I have been having trouble installing Vista Ultimate on one of my mobos while it works fine on another. Hope that helps a little. Micro boards can be just as good as standard ATX sized boards. Let us know what exactly you are buying and I'll help you out more. Only difference I see between mobo sizes is the amount of PCI slots that are on them and maybe the north/south bridges but i have never payed attention to the differences. Also, micro boards have different screwholes than standara size so u need to make sure theyll fit in your case

 

[Trio]

Every motherboard has a socket.Brands have nothing to do with a mobo except how well they are made. You need to match the sockets when you buy a CPU. RAM runs at certain speeds and timings and usually is able to run in any mobo since the BIOS automatically adjusts speed and such. Software should work with any mobo but there are exceptions sometimes. Graphics cards have to match the slots that are on a mobo. Before you buy a mobo you should check the specifications and make sure everything matches. BTW, I have been having trouble installing Vista Ultimate on one of my mobos while it works fine on another. Hope that helps a little. Micro boards can be just as good as standard ATX sized boards. Let us know what exactly you are buying and I'll help you out more. Only difference I see between mobo sizes is the amount of PCI slots that are on them and maybe the north/south bridges but i have never payed attention to the differences. Also, micro boards have different screwholes than standara size so u need to make sure theyll fit in your case

Lol, I already knew some of that stuff (except the RAM speed adjusting in the BIOS).

Well, I want to make a custom-made oil computer. I wanted to make an ordinary gaming rid earlier this year and dropped the idea for a while because of school, but during break I thought why not make an oil computer? Seems safe, since oil should be non-conductive. I'm just customizing the tank- going to make a call to a plexiglass shop nearby and ask if they could make the tank. I'm also making a top part out of aluminum, for the drives and stuff. I have most of it planned out, I just need to figure out how I'm going to sculpt the pieces (I want it to have a sea rock kind of theme. I hear I can use putty for that, but I'm not sure what type), where I can purchase an audio and usb port for the top part, and that's about it. It's really just for plain computer stuff; surfing the net, playing games, that stuff, as well as a cool decoration. But more importantly, it's for experience.

Well, about the motherboards. Aren't there supposedly really crappy motherboards that don't work at all?